For 18 years, Edgar Retardo worked as a janitor, diligently doing his job while holding onto a dream that seemed distant—earning a college degree. Last week, at 40 years old, he finally achieved that dream, graduating with a degree in Broadcast Communication from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Open University System.
Edgar's story began in Candoni, Negros Occidental, where his family, dependent on sugarcane farming, struggled to make ends meet. As the fifth of seven children, he grew up knowing the hardships of poverty. None of his siblings had ever made it to college, and the idea of higher education seemed beyond reach. But Edgar was determined to change that.
In 2006, he left his hometown and traveled to Manila with the hope of pursuing a college education. Reality, however, had other plans. With no financial support, Edgar had to set aside his dreams and focus on surviving. He found work as a janitor, a job he took on with pride and dedication. Over time, his hard work was recognized, and his agency even awarded him for his performance. But despite his success on the job, his dream of earning a degree remained.
In 2020, while working as a janitor at SM Sta. Mesa, a chance conversation with PUP students opened a door for him. They told Edgar about the PUP Open University, which offers flexible learning options for working students. Realizing this was the opportunity he had been waiting for, Edgar enrolled.
The onset of the pandemic meant classes transitioned online, allowing Edgar to juggle his work and studies more easily. “Suwerte po ako kasi yung kumpanya na pinagtrabauhan ko pinayagan ako mag-aral (I was lucky that the company where I worked allowed me to study),” Edgar said.
One of his employers, Philtrust Bank in Sto. Domingo, Quezon City, showed particular generosity. Edgar, who was assigned there last year, was given the flexibility to attend his online classes even during work hours.
“Ang bait po nila. Pinayagan nila ako mag-aral kahit oras ng trabaho (They were kind. They allowed me time to study even during my shift),” Edgar shared, expressing his deep gratitude.
After years of hard work and determination, Edgar became the first member of his family to earn a college degree. His journey is a reminder that determination, no matter the obstacles, can lead to success. From sweeping floors to studying between shifts, Edgar’s commitment to his education never wavered, proving that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams.
As Edgar moves forward with his degree in hand, he hopes his story can inspire others in similar situations to keep working toward their goals, no matter how difficult the journey may seem.
Now that he is already a graduate, Edgar aims for bigger opportunities to earn and be able to send more to his family in the province. “Gusto ko po makabawi naman sa mga magulang ko (I want to give back to my parents),” he says.